"The worst thing a new chief can do is come in and make a lot of changes right off the bat," said Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith.

A 25-year police veteran in Illinois, Smith said it's not about house-cleaning in Sanford, it's about seeing what works, what doesn't and making a difference.

"I am here to initiate some change, initiate some conversation to work to move the community and the police department forward," said Smith.

A year ago, when the death of Martin had not yet attracted national and international attention, Smith never gave being the police chief of Sanford much thought.

Now, he's not only signed on, he's in town weeks early on the anniversary of the teenager's death.

"I guess it sends a message of my dedication and my willingness to be part of this community," Smith said. "It's important for us to heal, to have a healing process, to memorialize the fact that this took place, but also that this is something that should never happen again in our community. I say our community because I become part of that community as the police chief."

The Martin case opened up old wounds surrounding inequality and Smith said he's listening carefully to those concerns.

While he'll take his time making changes, his vision for the future is clear.

"A police department where people feel good about, officers who are willing to come to work with a smile on their face and leave with a smile on their face, and people who respect the department as a police agency," he said.

A blue ribbon committee meets regularly working to shape Sanford's future. Smith intends to attend that meeting while he's in town.